HISTORY & DEMOGRAPHY

In the month of June 1996, the Fransalinas under Fr Francis Mulackal came to Koparkhairane along with the idea in mind " Rehabilitation of Street Children and Rag Pickers". They were asked to look after the Pastoral needs of the Catholic resident in Koparkhairane as well. Fr Francis Mulackal was appointed Asstt. Parish Priest of Vashi with residence at the Church.

On November 18, 1996, the operation of Rehabilitation of Street children and Rag Pickers continued at Kapikatan CHS, Sector -15, Koparkhairane and the place also became Mass Centre for the local Catholics. In the year 1999, Fr Jerry Misquith was appointed to help in the work of the Fransalians here in Koparkhairane.

As the Catholic population in Koparkhairane grew the mass centre was shifted to Mrs. Nathaline Buttelo’s residence, Chandralok CHS, Sector - 10.

On September 9, 2001, His Lordship Bishop Agnelo Gracias, officially inducted St. Francis de Sales Parish, Koparkhairane as New Parish Unit with Fr Jerry Misquith as the First Priest in Charge.

A committee was formed for the work of obtaining a plot of land from CIDCO for our own Church in Koparkhairane. In the year 2001 when the Mermier Bal Ashram was constructed in Sector -11, Koparkhairane, the Mass centre was shifted there.

The work of obtaining a plot of land from CIDCO for our own church was in progress although there were many hurdles. In the year 2006, Fr Timothy M Raj was appointed as priest in charge of St. Francis De Sales Church, Koparkhairane. The committee along with the Priest in Charge of St. Francis De Sales Church, Koparkhairane worked together and obtained the plot from CIDCO in the year 2009.

Cardinal Oswald Gracias laid the foundation stone on 17th April 2010. The Construction of the Church building commenced 10th October 2011.

Various Fund Collection Drives helped to collect substantial amount for the completion of the construction of the Church.

Total Population of the Centre: 1,00,000 people

Catholic Population of the Mission: 1,250